Ravens: Ben Grubbs joins Saints on $36 million deal

By Aaron Wilson and Times Staff Writer

Mar 15, 2012 | 12:30 PM

OWINGS MILLS -- The New Orleans Saints have locked up Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl offensive guard Ben Grubbs to a five-year, $36 million deal that included a $10 million signing bonus for a total of $16 million in guaranteed money.

Grubbs replaces former Saints standout offensive guard Carl Nicks, who joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a $47.5 million deal that made him the highest paid guard in the league.

The Ravens made what coach John Harbaugh termed a "substantial offer," to Grubbs prior to free agency.